| ARC South 1st osteoporosis/bone density services relocation |
Effective Wednesday, September 23, 2026, osteoporosis/bone density screening services at ARC South 1st relocate across the parking lot to ARC South 1st Pediatrics, first floor. |
ARC offers bone density screenings for patients ages 21 years and older. Our doctors and advanced practice clinicians (APCs) typically recommend regular screenings for women starting around age 50 and for men at a later age. However, your ARC clinician may recommend earlier screening depending on your medical history and individual needs.
Low bone mass (osteopenia) and osteoporosis (weak, thinning bones) affect an estimated 34 million U.S. women and men, although it is more common in women and can occur at an earlier age, especially with risk factors. Osteoporosis causes weakening bones in the hip, spine, and forearm and can lead to fractures, back pain, and more. Bone loss often goes unnoticed until a problem occurs. Osteoporosis symptoms such as back pain may look like other health problems, so please contact your doctor or advanced practice clinician (APC) for further evaluation. Osteoporosis is not a normal part of aging, although many believe it is simply an inevitable result of old bones.
Keep bones strong with early detection and lifestyle changes
Austin Regional Clinic encourages early detection of low bone mass. If you are diagnosed with low bone mass, you can still improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis through diet, adequate calcium and vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise. If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, you can manage it effectively with medications that help lower fracture risk.
If you, or someone you know, is at risk of developing low bone mass or osteoporosis, talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about:
- Regular bone density screenings
- Recommended weight-bearing exercises
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements and calcium-rich foods
- Other bone strengthening and bone healing treatments
Preparing for a bone density screening at ARC
Please review the following instructions in preparation for your bone density screening:
- Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment check-in time and complete required paperwork.
- If possible, do not wear clothing with zippers or metal buttons.
- Do not take calcium supplements on the morning of your appointment.
- Please wait two weeks before booking your bone density exam if you've recently had a barium contrast study.
- According to state health regulations, no one may be admitted into the radiation area, which includes the dressing room. If you bring children, please make arrangements to have them supervised.
Are you at risk for osteoporosis?
Here are the risk factors for osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation:
- Female
- Thin or small frame
- Increased age
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Post-menopause, including early or surgically induced menopause
- Abnormal absence of menstrual periods
- Past history of eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
- A lifelong diet low in calcium and vitamin D
- Use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and some anticonvulsants
- Low testosterone levels (in men)
- An inactive lifestyle
- Cigarette smoking
- Excessive use of alcohol and caffeine
- Being Caucasian or Asian
Add on a DEXA body composition scan
ARC offers DEXA body composition scans for patients ages 18 years and older. Also known as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, a DEXA body scan essentially gives you a detailed snapshot of how your body weight breaks down into fat and lean tissue. It is considered the “gold standard” of measurement if you are trying to lose fat, gain muscle, or both. The body composition scan is a $75 out-of-pocket expense and is not covered by insurance. Learn more.